A leading figure in the revival of traditional Italian music, Roberto Lucanero is an accordionist, ethnomusicologist, composer, and educator. Originally from the Marche region of Italy, he has devoted much of his career and research to preserving and promoting Italy’s musical heritage, a subject he explored through his ethnomusicology studies at the University of Bologna.

Equally skilled on diatonic accordion, piano accordion, and portative organ, he creates a rich musical universe where traditional music meets jazz, contemporary repertoire, and improvisation. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with numerous artists and performed at festivals and cultural events internationally. Former artistic director of the Premio Internazionale della Fisarmonica in Castelfidardo — one of the world’s most prestigious accordion festivals and competitions — he also plays an active role in teaching and research. In 2018, the city of Castelfidardo awarded him the title of “Accordion Ambassador.”